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Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is an occasional pest of sweet corn and can be difficult to control. This pest does not overwinter in Kentucky and reinvades from the south each summer. Late-planted fields are more likely to become infested, as this pest will concentrate on egg laying on corn that has not yet silked. Fall armyworm causes serious feeding damage to leaves as well as direct injury to the ear. Like European corn borer, fall armyworm can only be effectively controlled while the larvae are small. Fall armyworm larvae (pictured on previous page) vary from light tan to black and have three light yellow stripes down the back. They have a wider dark stripe and a wavy, yellow-red blotched stripe on each side and an inverted, light-colored “Y” on the head.

Fall armyworm larva.

(Photo: UK Vegetable IPM Team, University of Kentucky)

Management: 

• Treatments should be applied before the larvae bury deep into the whorl to avoid damage.
•  Late-season sprays for corn earworm usually provide effective control of fall armyworm. Bt sweet corn provides only partial control of fall armyworm.

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